Towards a unified terroir zoning methodology in viticulture

Sulphites are by far the most widely used additive in the wine industry. In relation to health, the interaction of sulphites with the gut microbiota has not been addressed so far. Following the consumption of wine and other sulphite-containing foods, the gastrointestinal tract and the microbiome are one of the first barriers that these compounds face in the human organism. In this study, we used a previously validated gastrointestinal digestion model (SIMGI®) [1,2] to evaluate the effect of intestinal digestion of wine sulphites on the gut microbiome.

In 1979, the so-called “french paradox” was proposed, that is, a correlation between wine consumption, a diet rich in saturated fats, and a low mortality from coronary heart disease. On the other hand, it has also been described that alcohol consumption has negative effects on aging and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and cancer. However, both hypotheses are based on population studies that may present distortions due to multiple factors (geographic, diet, smoking, socioeconomic level, etc.).

Context and Purpose of the Study. PIWI grape varieties (Pilzwiderstandsfähig, fungus-resistant) offer innovative solutions for sustainable viticulture by addressing environmental challenges faced by traditional Vitis vinifera.

Aim: The aim of this work is educating people about soil variability and terroir. Soil monoliths are used to educate the wine industry about how to describe a soil profile, interpret the soil formation processes operating in a particular soil profile and consequently the impact of soil properties on vine growth, fruit quality and wine production. Soil monoliths are a permanent artistic tool for educating, research and management of soil variability.  

Validation of the phloroglucinolysis and RP-HPLC method showed selectivity and repeatability within acceptable limits for all investigated matrices. Recovery of polymeric phenols by SPE was also acceptable.